Global Methodist Church Concludes General Conference in Johannesburg

The Global Methodist Church (GMC) concluded its 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 5. The event, which drew 1,168 registered attendees, marked the denomination's first General Conference held on the African continent. Established in 2022 as a theologically conservative alternative to the United Methodist Church, the GMC reported significant growth, expanding from approximately 4,700 congregations in 2024 to 7,250 today.

During the week-long gathering, delegates acted on 451 petitions, including the adoption of new Articles of Faith. Developed by the Discipleship, Doctrine and Just Ministry Commission, these articles outline the denomination's teachings on Scripture, salvation, the sacraments, and the Christian life, aiming to align with historic Christian and Wesleyan traditions. Additionally, the conference saw the election and consecration of eight bishops to the church's first full-time Assembly of Bishops.

Church officials highlighted the conference as a milestone for the denomination's global identity, noting the establishment of new connectional leadership and an ecumenical covenant with the Korean Methodist Church. A full record of the legislative actions is expected to be released by the denomination in the coming weeks.